Gloucester charity named regional champion at national awards
Gloucester’s The Venture Community Hub has been named one of two Southwest Regional Champions at the National HAF Awards, held by the Department for Education.
The National HAF Awards ceremony took place on Thursday 18 May, at the Terrace Pavilion, which is part of the House of Commons.
The Venture Community Hub was nominated for an award by Gloucestershire County Council, in recognition of the excellent work they do to support children and families in Gloucester, as a key partner of Gloucestershire’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF).
Venture is one of 18 community partners from across the UK chosen by local authorities to be recognised at the award ceremony, which was opened with an address by Claire Coutinho, Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, who said: “These awards are a celebration of all that we’ve achieved so far and will also act as a catalyst to inspire others to enhance and develop their own HAF programmes so that we can continue to strive to offer an outstanding holiday experience to the children, young people and their families who need it most”.
Dawn Barnes, Chief Executive Officer at The Venture Community Hub said: “We are thrilled to be chosen as a Southwest Regional Champion at this year’s HAF Awards. HAF really has become a highlight of our Venture calendar and to see the difference it makes to local families is amazing.
“This national recognition is testament to the dedication and commitment of our Venture team, the many volunteers and the network of local partners who make it all possible and who strive to make every HAF bigger and better than before.”
Cllr Stephen Davies, cabinet member for children’s social care and early years at Gloucestershire County Council said: “I am delighted that The Venture Community Hub has been recognised as a Southwest Regional Champion in the National HAF Awards, this achievement is very well deserved.
“Gloucestershire’s HAF programme continues to go from strength to strength, thanks to our successful partnership with district partners and activity providers. Since HAF began we have provided over 50,000 sessions of activity to children and young people across the county, helping them to stay healthy, learn new skills and have fun during the school holidays.”
Families can find out more about Gloucestershire’s HAF by visiting gloucestershire.gov.uk/HAF